US2870981A

US2870981A - Platform

Info

Publication number: US2870981A
Application number: US676589A
Authority: US
Inventors: Daniel H Dellinger; John W Mcilwraith
Original assignee: ASSOCIATED BOX CORP
Current assignee: ASSOCIATED BOX CORP
Priority date: 1957-08-06
Filing date: 1957-08-06
Publication date: 1959-01-27
Anticipated expiration: 1976-01-27

Description

Jan. 27, 1959 Filed Aug. 6, 1957 PLATFORM ll 24 I8 D. H. DELLINGER ET AL 3 SheetsSheec 1 INVEN TOR.

DAN/EL h. DELUNGER. JOHN IV M /LWRAITH- k ATTORNEY.

Jan. 27, 1959 D. H. DELLINGER ET AL 2,870,981

' PLATFORM Filed Aug. 6, 1957 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 I '2 34 1 "a I INVENTOR. DANIEL H. oeumosk.

BY JOHytILWRAITH.

Jan. 27, 1959 D. H. DELLINGER ET AL 2,870,981

PLATFORM Filed Aug. 6, 1957 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTORS DANIEL H. DELLIN GER JOHN w McILWRAlTH BY M $W ATTORNEYS United States Patent PLATFORM Daniel H. Dellinger, Dearhorn, Mich, and John W. McIlwralth, New Castle, Pa., assignors to Associated Box Corporation, a corporation of Michigan Application August 6, 1957, Serial No. 676,589

20 Claims. (Cl. 248-120) The present invention relates to improvements in material supporting and protecting units or platforms such as skids, pallets and the like, which may be used for storing, handling and transporting material and relates to a novel package including such a platform supporting a stack of metal sheets.

The present application is a continuation-in-part of application Serial No. 450,335, filed August 17, 1954, which is a continuation of application Serial No. 133,324, filed December 16, 1949. Application Serial No. 133,324 is a continuation-in-part of application Serial No. 53,068, filed October 6, 1948, and the latter application is a continuation-in-part of application Serial No. 26,588, filed May 12, 1948. These applications are all now abandoned.

The present invention is primarily concerned with, and will be more fully described in connection with, an improved platform integrally formed from a single piece of sheet material, for example, a piece of sheet metal such as steel. This improved platform is particularly useful in supporting and protecting a stack of metal sheets, such as sheets of black plate or tin plate, during shipment, but is not limited to such use and may be used to advantage when handling or storing metal sheets or other material in a factory, Warehouse or other location. The term platform refers broadly to and includes skids, pallets, runners and similar load supporting units.

Platforms are used when shipping a stack or bundle of metal sheets in a carrier such as a truck or rail car to facilitate handling of the sheets and to protect the sheets against damage during transit. The relatively heavy stack of sheets and the platform are usually tied together by suitable means, such as bands, to form a unitary package that can be handled readily and in which the sheets are protected. Platforms are also used to support material off the floor and to allow a fork truck to pick up the platform and its load. The platform and its load may or may not be tied together by means of straps or other fastening means. Such platforms must be strong to support the great weight of the sheets and to provide protection for the sheets. The cost of manufacturing the platform should be low enough to make their use economically feasible and not unduly increase transportation costs. Preferably, the platform should be readily returnable at low cost to the shipper for re-use so as to reduce the cost per shipment. Platforms used in shipping metal sheets have been made of Wood. In order to provide sufiicient strength to support the heavy load, these wooden platforms are made quite thick and heavy. Among other disadvantages, Wooden platforms tend to splinter and inadequately protect the metal sheets and they are too heavy and bulky to be returned to the shipper at a cost which is economical. Attempts have been made to produce such platforms from metal. The cost of such metal platforms is excessive as a heavy gauge of metal must be used or extensive fabrication is required to provide the necessary strength. Accordingly, neither the wooden platforms nor the metal platforms provided heretofore have fully met the requirements for platforms which can 2,870,981 Patented Jan. 27, 1959 ice be used for transporting material, such as metal sheets.

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved metal platform integrally formed from a single piece of sheet material. 4 a

A further object of the present invention is to provide a one piece platform having integrally formed, depending supporting legs including relatively large base portions in contact with the floor for adequately supporting heavy loads.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a platform so constructed and arranged that a plurality of the platforms can be nested in a relatively small space for storage or return shipment. e

A further object of the present invention is to provide a relatively strong platform adapted to support a pile of objects each having a supporting area less than the area of the platform.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a platform including reinforcing ribs arranged to provide the maximum amount of reinforcement. r

A further object of the present invention is to provide a platform produced from a single sheet of material that can be combined with other elements to form a composite platform.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a platform constructed and arranged so thatthe platform can support a bundle of sheets in which the sheets are larger than the platform without having the edges of the sheets being deformed by the bands holding the platform and sheets together in a unitary package and constructed and arranged so that the fingers of a feeder can slide between the sheets and the platform to lift off the sheets.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a package including a bundle of sheets and a platform held together by bands in an improved manner to form an improved package for shipment.

The present invention provides a platform preferably formed from a single piece of sheet metal that can be manufactured economically and that is relatively strong.

form and bands holding the sheets and platform together.

are so constructed and arranged that the bands do not bend and deform the edges of the sheets. The present improved sheet metal platform is so constructed and arranged that the fingers of an automatic sheet feeding machine can be inserted quite readily between the stack of sheets and the platform to lift. and support the sheets while they are fed to any particular sheet processing apparatus, and is so constructed and arranged that a plurality of the platforms can be nested one within the other for return shipment to the shipper for re-use. The fork of a material handling truck can be readily inserted beneath the platform to lift and transport the platform and the sheets thereon to any desired location.

These and other objects and advantages will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description, taken with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is an isometric view of a preferred sheet metal platform embodying the principles of the: present invention;

Figure 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary, isometric view of a portion of the platform of Figure 1;

Figures 3 and 4 are enlarged sectional views taken along lines 3-3 and 44, respectively, of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a sectional view of a unitary package in clutling the platform of Figure 1 and a stack of metal sheets all held together by a plurality of bands;

Figures 6 and 7 are isometric views of different platforms also embodying the principles of the present invention;

- "Figure 8 is an end view showing the platform of Figure 7 combined with another element .to form a composite structure;

Figure 9 is an end viewof a ditferent com posite pallet structure;

Figure 10 is anisometricview of another form of platform constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention, and

Figure -ll is a fragmentary view, in plan, of the platform shown in Figure 10.

Referring more particularly to Figures -1 -to 4, inclusive, of the drawings, the metal platform or skid 10 is preferably integrally formed -from-a;'single piece of sheet metal, such'as steel. Theplatform 10 includes parallel, longitudinal deck portions or members 11, -all disposed in a common horizontal plane. Between each two adja' cent deck'members 11, there'is 'an integral,'longitudinal channel-portion or member-12 which depends or extends laterally outwardlyfrom the two adjacent deck members ll-to-form a downwardly depending leg for the platform. Each channel member lz includes-two spaced apart, outwardlyextending andinwardly converging side portions 13 integrallyjoined at their lower edges. The lower or outer' edge of-each side portion 13 is curvedand the joined-curved 'portions form-a base portion 14. -Each side portion '13 includes a rounded "or flared shoulder portionlS extending alongits upper edge. Each'shoulderportion'is integrally joined toa corresponding deck member "11 and'each 'channelmember 12 is integrally joined'tothe corresponding, "two adjacent, spaced deck members '11.

Along the. length of each channel member IZ-there are a plurality'oftransverse reinforcing ribs for strengthening the platform,-par'ticula'rly the leg members. A plurality of transverse, "longitudinallyconvex, integral reinforcing ribs 17 are formedso asto extendaround the lowerportion14- of'each channel member 12. Each convex rib17'-extendsgaround"thebase-portion 14 and part way up the sideportions 13 "of the channel member with theends' or rib 17 "terminating below the upper level of the "deck-members 11. *Along'each'edge of the channel member-12, there'is formed a'series of transverse, longitudinally concave, integral reinforcing ribs 18. Each rib 18"exteudsaround the'flared shoulderportion 15 of the channel member and extends partway down the corresponding side portion 13. The upper-end of each rib 18"extends a short'distance into the adjacent deck member 11. Preferably, 'the'concave ribs 18 are in -overlapping "relationship with the convexribs 17 so that the lower end portions of 'the'ribs 18 andthe-adjacent upper end'portions of 'the'ribs' 17 are inoverlapping relationship with'each other,as shown. In -other words, the ends'of the ribs 17 extend up the sides 13 to apointabove and beyond the lower ends of the ribs 18'sothat there is no longitudinal-zone extending along the side of the channel' member that is not reinforced by ribs. The concave and convex ribs, instead ofbe'ing'in alternating, over lapping relationship as shown, could be coplanar. Two ribs' 18 and .one rib 17 could-be'formed as a single, relatively'long .rib .but sucha structure would not have as great strength as. ispossessed by the structure shown in the drawings.

.The present invention; provides a platformhaving numerous advantages. Theplatform 10 preferably is formed "4' by the platform. As the ribs 17 are convex, a relatively large portion of the entire lengthof each channel member 12 engages the supporting .fioor to more firmly support the load carried by the platform.

The longitudinal channels 12 are longitudinal reinforcing ribs, and the

transverse ribs

17 and 18 are reinforcing ribs. Reinforcing

ribs

17 and 18 reinforce the entire platform and reinforce the channel members so that the platform can support a relatively large load. For example, a platform like that shown in Figure 1 and formed by stamping a single sheet of 14 gauge, ,hot rolled, low carbon steel was loaded with sheets, as shown in Figure 5, and then placed in a load testing machine. An additional load was impressed on the platform by the testing machine and the platform supported a total load of 60,000 pounds. The platform 10 may be produced by any forming operation and need not necessarily be produced by stamping or be produced from hot rolled or-low carbon steel.

The sides of the channel members 12 converge inwardly, and the platforms can be readily piled and nested. A large-quantity of the platforms can be stored in a relatively small storage space or can be packed into a relatively small space for shipment which in turn reduces the cost of storing or shipping the platform.

Referring to the drawings and more particularly to Figure 5 which is a sectional view of an assembled package 1-9, a bundle or stack 20 of sheets, such as sheets of black plate, tin plate or other material, is supported by a platform -10. The platform 10 and the sheets-20 are held together by one, and preferably more, wires or bands-21 extending transversely around the platform and having their ends fastenedtogether at 22 by a suitable fastening means. The term bands is used broadly-to cover all such flexible members and includes wires. A pair of 0311615124 extend longitudinally about the platform and the sheetsto additionally hold the platform and the sheets-together. Bands 24 may be omitted. The lower-portion23of each transversely extending band -21 extends through a series of openings'25 formed inthe shoulders 15. The openings'=25 areshown somewhat larger than necessary so as to permit the band 21 to be readilypassed through the openings. For-the reasons more fully hereinafter pointed out, it is preferablethat at least aportion of each opening 25 belocated in the same common plate as the bottom surfaces of the deck members 11 so that portion 23 of each band 21 extends parallel to the bottom surface of the stack 20 and is positioned close to or in contact with the bottom surface of the decks. With the band 21 arranged in this-manner and with the edges of the sheets extending beyondthe edges of the platform, as indicated at 26, theband-does not bend down the edges and damage the-edges of the lower sheets. If a thick platform were used or if the band were extended beneath the channel members 12, so

that the band was inclined from the bottom of the platform upwardly to the overhanging edges ofthesheets, the'tension on the band would tend to bend theedges of the sheets-downwardly and damage them. This has in the past been an acute problem as it has necessitated the use of a different size of platform for each different size of sheet. The present platform can be used with sheets of a number of different sizes and, for example, can be 1 /2 inches shorter than the sheets whenthebands 2.1 are arranged as shown. T his requires the sheet manufacturer to carry in stock a fewer number of sizes of platforms which reduces the investment required to stock the platforms. Protective pieces of metal 27 preferably are provided at the corners beneath

bands

21 and 24 as an added protection for the sheets. The thickness of the sheets in stack 2tl and of the protective metal pieces 27 at the corners is exaggerated for purposes of clarity. *When the platform--10 is loaded, the tines or fingers ofthe fork of a loading truck can be inserted .beneath r the platform 10 and between the channels 12 to lift'the platform and its lead. When sheets are mounted on the platform, the fingers of a sheet supporting apparatus canflbe inserted into the open channels 12 to lift the sheets up off of the platform. If bands 21 are present, they may be removed before the sheets are lifted from the platform or may be cut and left in place. When the bands 21 are cut andleft in place, the supporting fingers will raise the sheets anddraw the bands 21 up through the holes 25 of the platform. Bands 24, if present,;

must be severed before the sheets can be removed from the platform.

Referring more particularly to Figure 6 which shows a skid, 30 that is similar to skid 10, the skid 30 includes a plurality of longitudinaldeck members 31 and channel members or ribs 32. Deck members 31 and channel members 32 are arranged in the same manner as

members

11 and 12 of skid 10. Each channel 32 includes a plurality of convex reinforcing ribs 33 which extend around the bottom and part way up the sides of the channel 32 to a point not above the upper surface of the deck members 31. Relatively long reinforcing ribs 34 extend across the intermediate deck members. The end portion of each rib 34 extends down the side of the corresponding channel 32 and preferably terminates below the upperjcorresponding ends of the convex ribs 33; Relatively short reinforcing ribs 36 extend up the corresponding sides of channels 32 from a pointbelow the ends of the corresponding ribs 33 and extend for a short distance into the corresponding outer or edge deck member 31. The ribs 36 are similar to the corresponding ribs 18 of Figure 1. If desirable, the ribs 36 can be extended to the outer lateral edges of the skid 30.

The concave ribs in those deck members 31 located At times, it is desirable to stack on such a skid material or objects-for example, sacks of flour-which have a smaller supporting area than the skid. With such a stack of objects, there is'a greater tendency for the skid to be deformed. A stack of sheets will act on or stress the skid in substantially the same manner as a single block, whereas a stack of sacks of flour are notconnected together and will tend to spread apart so that th y exert greater forces in a transverse direction. In addition, with a plurality of relatively smaller objects, the stresses are more localized. The ribs 34 reinforce the deck members 31 and prevent them from bending out of shape and also strengthen the shoulders at the edges of the deck portions to provide greater resistance to flattening.

Referring more particularly to Figure7, which shows a skid 38 that is similar to skid 10, the skid. 38 includes deck members 39, channel members 40 and reinforcing convex ribs 41 and concaveribs 42 all arranged in the manner described when referring to skid of Figure l. i

The two intermediate deck members 39 are provided with concave, transverse reinforcing ribs 43 which increase the strength of skid 39 in a manner similar to ribs 34 of skid 30. These ribs 43 reinforce the deck members similar to ribs 34 of Figure 6. The ends of the concave ribs 43 extend beyond the ends of the con cave ribs 42 so that the ends of ribs 43 and 42 overlap. This overlapping arrangement of the ribs further increases the rigidity of skid 38 and resistance of the deck members to deformation. The outer longitudinal edge portion of each outer deck member 39 is bent downwardly and preferably inwardly to form a free flange 44, both to reinforce the skid and present a curved or rounded edge that will not cause damage to other objects coming into contact with the edge. The flanges 44 are provided with band openings 45. The ski-d may be provided with strengthening and protective flanges 44 and without ribs 43 and 34.

The

platforms

10, 30 and 38, in addition to being used directly or alone as a supporting unit or skid, may

be combined with each other or with other elements to form modified platforms. Referring more particularly to Figure 8, a load supporting unit or pallet 47 comprises a skid 3t and a sheet or plate 48. The plate 48 is parallel to the deck members 39 and is connected to the peaks or lower edges of the channel members 40 by spot welds, as indicated at 49, or may be connected to the channel members by other suitable means, such as a continuous weld seam. The outer edges of the plate 48 preferably are turned upwardly and inwardly to form protective edge flanges 49 Plate 48 increases the strength of the skid as it is connected to the channels and resists the spreading apart of the channels. Pallets 47 are often used, for example, where the loaded pallets are piled on top of each other. The fork of a fork truck can be readily inserted into the spaces 50' for lifting and transporting the pallet. The pallet 47 can be turned upside down and bricks or other material piled on the sheet or plate 48; In place of using skid 38 of Figure 7 to form pallet 47, the

skids

10 or 30 can be used with sheet langes 49' can be omitted.

Referring more particularly to Figure 9, showing a modified platform 55, the platform or pallet comprises a skid and a plate or sheet 57. The skid 56 includes two deck members with a channel member 59 therebetwcen. Convex ribs d ll and concave ribs 61 are formed in the channel member 55?. Deck members 58, channel members 59, and ribs oil and 611 are formed and arranged in the same manner as previously described in connection with the skid of Figore 1. Along the transverse outer edge of each deck member 58 there is formed a downwardly depending, integral leg member 62 terminating in a. bottom edge portion 53. Each leg member includes convex reinforcing ribs 6 -5, each of which extends around the bottom edge portion as and up the side of the leg. Concave reinforcing ribs extend up the side of each leg as from a point below the top of ribs 64. The

ribs

64 and 65 overlap in a manner similar to

ribs

17 and 18 and each leg 62 is the same as though it were a half of channel 59. The skid 56 and plate 57 are fastened to gether by welding as indicated at 67. The pallet 55 can be used. with either the skid 5a or the plate 57 uppermost depending in part on the character of the. load being supported. The skid portion 56 of platform 55 may be constructed the same as a corresponding portion of

skids

30 or 33.

With reference to Figures 10 and 11 of the drawings, a platform or skid 7d is shown therein constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the platform includes a. plurality of longitudinal deck members '71 and channel members or ribs 72.. The deck members 71 and the channel members 72 are arranged in the same manner as the deck members and channel members of the other embodiments of the invention and are preferably integrally formed from a single piece of sheet material such as steel. Each channel member 72 includes two spaced apart outwardly extending and inwardly converging side portions 73 and a base portion 74 integrally joined along its edges to the lower edges of the sideportions. side portion '73 includes a rounded or flared shoulder portion 75 extendingalong its upper edge, and each shoulder portion is integrally joined to a corresponding deck member "ill. Thus each channel member 72 is integrally joined to a pair of adjacent, space-d deck members 71. Concave reinforcing ribs 76 extend transversely of the deck members 71 from side edge to side edge and at the sideedges of the deck members the reinforcing ribs '76 merge with concave reinforcing ribs 77 which extend. down the side portions and terminate in spaced relation with respective. bottom portions 74. Convex reinforcing ribs are formed in the side portions and the bottom portion of the channel members in the region of the concave reinforcing

ribs

76 and 771 As shown, convex reinforcing ribs 78 are formed in one Each side portion and the bottom portion of the channel members on one side of a plane of a reinforcing rib 76 and convex reinforcing ribs 79 are formed in the other side portion and the bottom portion of the channel members on the other side of the plane of the reinforcing ribs 76. The convex reinforcing

ribs

78 and 79 extend into the bottom portions 74 and up respective side portions 73 and terminate below the shoulder portions 75. Thus, the reinforcing ribs 78 and 7% are in overlapping relationship in the bottom portions 74, and the reinforcing

ribs

78 and 79 are in overlapping relationship with the reinforcing ribs 77. If desired, additional convex reinforcing ribs may be formed in the side portions and the bottom portion of the channel members. For example, at the region of the front and rear edges of the platform 78 convex reinforcing ribs fill, which may be similar to the convex reinforcing ribs 78, may be located in one side portion of the channel members on the other side of the plane of the reinforcing ribs 76 and convex reinforcing ribs 81, which may be similar to the convex reinforcing ribs 7h, may be located in the other side portion of the channel members on the other side of the plane of the reinforcing ribs 76. The reinforcing ribs 809 and 81 extend into the bottom portion 74 in overlapping relationship and extend along the side portions in overlapping relationship with the reinforcing ribs 77. The foregoing construction is clearly seen in the plane View of Figure 11. It is to be expressly understood that convex reinforcing ribs 30 andtwll may be associated with intermediate concave reinforcing ribs 76 if desired.

In all of the platforms, the reinforcing ribs of the legforrning portion extend around the leg-forming portion and the end portions of the convex and concave ribs are in overlapping arrangement. This arrangement is highly desirable as it provides much greater strength without having upwardly or downwardly extending, interfering protuberances. Any number of deck portions and leg portions may be combined into a single unit depending, in part, on the material to be supported. In general, the platforms or skids of Figures 1, 6 and 7 are preferred where the material is to be shipped a long distance and the cost of returning the skids is an important consideration. The platforms or pallets of Figures 8 and 9 are especially adapted for supporting very heavy materials and relatively small articles.

What is claimed is:

l. A platform formed of a single piece of sheet material comprising a plurality of coplanar, transversely spaced, elongated deck members and depending elongated channel members connected between adjacent deck members; each depending channel member including at each side a leg portion extending along a longitudinal edge portion of a respective one of the deck members and including at its bottom a base portion connecting the leg portions; each of the leg portions including a shoulder portion integral with the longitudinal edge portion of the respective deck member and a downwardly extending side portion integrally connected at its upper edge with the shoulder portion and integrally connected at its lower edge with the base portion; a plurality of transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, convex reinforcing ribs formed in each channel member; each of the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, convex reinforcing ribs extending around the base portion and up each side portion of respective channel members with the upper ends of the convex reinforcing ribs terminating in respective leg portions; and a plurality of transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs formed in the deck members and connected channel members; each of the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs extending from a deck member around the shoulder portion and down the side portion of the respective leg portion of a connected channel member and terminating in the respective leg portion at a point below the upper end of the convex reinforcing ribs in the respective leg portion; the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, convex reinforcing ribs and the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced concave reinforcing ribs being formed in different transverse planes.

2. A platform formed of a single piece of sheet metal material comprising a plurality of coplanar, transversely spaced, elongated deck members and depending elongated channel members connected between adjacent deck members; each depending channel member including at each side a leg portion extending along a longitudinal edge portion of a respective one of the deck members and including at its bottom a base portion connecting the leg portions; each of the leg portions including a shoulder portion integral with the longitudinal edge portion of the respective deck member and a downwardly extending side portion integrally connected at its upper edge with the shoulder portion and integrally connected atits lower edge with the base portion; a plurality of transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, convex reinforcing ribs formed in each channel member; each of the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, convex reinforcing ribs extending around the base portion and up each side portion of respective channel members with the upper ends of the convex reinforcing ribs terminating in respective leg portions; and a plurality of transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs formed in the deck members and connected channel members; each of the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs extending from a deck member around the shoulder portion and down the side portion of the respective leg portion of a connected channel member and terminating in the respective leg portion at a point below the upper end of the convex reinforcing ribs in the respective leg portion; the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, convex reinforcing ribs and the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced concave reinforcing ribs being formed in different transverse planes.

3. A platform formed of a single piece of sheet material comprising a plurality of coplanar, transversely spaced, elongated deck members and depending elongated channel members connected between adjacent deck members; each depending channel member including at each side a leg portion extending along a longitudinal edge portion of a respective one of the deck members and including at its bottom a base portion connecting the leg portions; each of the leg portions including a shoulder portion integral with the longitudinal edge portion of the re spective deck member and a downwardly extending side portion integrally connected at its upper edge with the shoulder portion and integrally connected at its lower edge with the base portion; a plurality of transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, convex reinforcing ribs formed in each channel member; each of the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, convex reinforcing ribs extending around the base portion and up each side portion of respective channel members with the upper ends of the convex reinforcing ribs terminating in respective leg portions; a plurality of transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs formed in the deck members and connected channel members; each of the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs extending from a deck member around the shoulder portion and down the side portion of the respective leg portion of a connected channel member and terminating in the respective leg portion at a point below the upper end of the convex reinforcing ribs in the respective leg portion; the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced convex reinforcing ribs and the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced concave reinforcing ribs being formed in different transverse planes; and a plurality of transverse concave reinforcing ribs formed in the deck members.

4. A platform formed of a single piece of sheet mate rial comprising a plurality of coplanar, transversely spaced, elongated deck members and a plurality of depending elongated channel members each connected bctween adjacent deck members; each depending channel member including at each side a leg portion extending along a longitudinal edge portion of a respective one of the deck members and including at its bottom a base portion connecting the leg portions; each of the leg portions including a shoulder portion integral with the longitudinal edge portion of the respective deck member and a down wardly extending side portion integrally connected at its upper edge with the shoulder portion and integrally connected at its lower edge with the base portion; a plurality of transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, convex reinforcing ribs formed in each channel member; each of the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, convex reinforcing ribs extending around the base portion and up each side portion of respective channel members with the upper ends of the convex reinforcing ribs terminating in respective leg portions; a plurality of transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs formed in the deck members and connected channel mem bers; each of the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs extending from a deck member around the shoulder portion and down the side portion of the respective leg portion of a connected channel member and terminating in the respective leg portion at a point below the upper end of the convex reinforcing ribs in the respective leg portion; the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, convex reinforcing ribs and the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced concave reinforcing ribs being formed in different transverse planes; and a plurality of transverse concave reinforcing ribs formed in each deck member connected between pairs of channel members; the last-named transverse concave reinforcing ribs extending across said each deck member and merging into the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs extending around the shoulder portion of respective leg portions of the channel members connected to said each deck member.

5. A platform formed of a single piece of sheet material comprisin a plurality of coplanar, transversely spaced, elongated deck members and a plurality of depending elongated channel members each connected between adjacent deck members; each depending channel member including at each side a leg portion extending along a longitudinal edge portion of a respective one of the deck members and including at its bottom a base portion connecting the leg portions; each of the leg portions including a shoulder portion integral with the longitudinal edge portion of the respective deck member and a downwardly extending side portion integrally connected at its upper edge with the shoulder portion and integrally connected at its lower edge with the base p01 tion; a plurality of transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, convex reinforcing ribs formed in each channel member; each of the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, convex reinforcing ribs extending around the base portion and up each side portion of respective channel members with the upper ends of the convex reinforcing ribs terminating in respective leg portions; a plurality of transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs formed in the deck members and connected channel members; each of the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs extending from a deck member around the shoulder portion and down the side portion of the respective leg portion of a connected channel member and terminating in the respective leg portion at a point below the upper end of the convex reinforcing ribs in the respective leg portion; the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, convex reinforcing ribs and the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs being formed in different transverse planes; and a plurality of transverse concave reinforcing ribs formed in the deck members; the last-named transverse concave reinforcing 10 ribs extending across the deck members and merging into the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs extending around the shoulder portion of the respective leg portion of a connected channel member.

6. A platform formed of a single piece of sheet material comprising a plurality of coplanar, transversely spaced, elongated deck members and a plurality of depending elongated channel members each connected between adjacent deck members; each depending channel member including at each side a leg portion extending along a longitudinal edge portion of a respective one of the deck members and including at its bottom a base portion connecting the leg portions; each of the leg portions including a shoulder portion integral with the longitudinal edge portion of the respective deck member and a downwardly extending side portionintegrally connected at its upperedge with the shoulder portion and integrally connected at its lower edge with the base portion; a plurality of transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, convex reinforcing ribs formed in each channel member; each of the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, convex reinforcing ribs extending around the base portion and up each side portion of respective channel members with the upper ends of the convex reinforcing ribs terminating in respective leg portions; a plurality of transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs formed in the deck members and connected channel members; each of the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs extending from a deck member around the shoulder portion and down the side portion of the respective leg portion of a connected channel member and terminating; in the respective leg portion at a point below the upper end of the convex reinforcing ribs in the respective leg portion; the

transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, convex reinforcing ribs and the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs being formed in different transverse planes; and a plurality of transverse concave reinforcing ribs extending across each deck member between pairs of channel members; the lastnamed transverse concave reinforcing ribs and the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs being arranged in different transverse planes, and the said last-named concave reinforcing \FlbS extending toward the shoulder portion of respective leg portions of the channel members connected to said each deck member in overlapping relation with the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs in respective shoulder portions. I

7. A platform formed of a single piece of sheet material comprising a plurality of coplanar, transversely spaced, elongated deck members and a plurality of depending elongated channel members each connected between adjacent deck members; each depending channel member including at each side a leg portion extending along a longitudinal edge portion of a respective one of the deck members and including at its bottom a base portion connecting the leg portions; each of the leg portions including a shoulder portion integral with the longitudinal edge portion of the respective deck member and a downwardly extending side portion integrally connected at its upper edge with the shoulder portion and integrally connected at its lower edge with the base portion; a

plurality of transversely extending, longitudinally spaced,

and up each side portion of respective channel members with the upper ends of the convex reinforcing ribs terminating in respective leg portions; a plurality of transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs formed in the deck members and connected channel members, each of the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs extending from a deck .11 member around the shouldei'portion and down the side portion of the respective-leg'portion of a connected channel member and terminating in the respective leg portion at a point below the upper end of theconvex reinforcing ribs in the respective leg portion; the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced convex reinforcing ribs and the the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced concave reinforcing ribs being formed in different transverse planes; and a plate extending parallel to the common plane of'the deck members and connected to the base portions of at-least two channel members. i

8. A platform formed of a single piece of sheet material comprising four coplanantrairsversely spaced, elongated deck members and three depending elongated channel members each connected between adjacent deck members; each depending channel memberincluding at each side a leg portion extending alonga longitudinal edge portion of a respective one of the deck members andincluding at its bottom a base portion connecting the leg portions; each of the leg portionsincluding a shoulder portion integral with the longitudinal edge'porti on of the respective deck member and a downwardly extending side portion integrally connected at its upper edge with the shoulder portion and integrallyconnected at its lower edge with the base portion; a pluralityof transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, convex reinforcing ribs formed in eachchannel member; each of thetransversely extending, longitudinally spaced, convex reinforcing ribs extending around the base-portion and up each side portion of respective channel members with the upper ends of the convex reinforcing ribs terminating in respective leg portions; a plurality of transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs formed in the deck members and connected channel members; the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs extending from a deck member around the shoulder portion and down the sideportion of the respective leg portions of each channel member and terminating in the respective leg portions at a point below the'uppe'r end of the convex reinforcing ribs in the respective leg portions; the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, convex reinforcing ribs and the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs being formed in different transverse planes; and a pinrality of longitudinally spaced, transverse concave reinforcing ribs in each deck inember between pairs of ,channel members;.the last-named transverse concave reinforcing ribs extending across said each deck member and merging into the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs extending around the shoulder portion of respective leg portions of the channel members connected to said each deck member.

9. A platform formed of a single piece of sheet metal material comprising four coplanar, transversely spaced elongated deck members and three depending elongated channel members each connected between adjacent deck members; each depending channel member including at each side a leg portion extending along a longitudinal edge portion of a respective one of the deck members and including at its bottom a base portion connecting the leg portions; each of the leg portions including a shoulder portion integral with the longitudinal edge portion of the respective deck member and a downwardly extending side portion integrally connected at its upper edge with the shoulder portion and integrally connected atits lower edge with the base portion; a' plurality of transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, convex reinforcing ribs formed. in each channel member; each of thetransversely extending, longitudinally spaced, convex reinforcing ribs extending around the base portion and up each side portion of respective channel members with the upper ends of the convex reinforoingribs terminating in respective leg portions; a plurality'of transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs formed iiithe desk si and a et nn em e he transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs ext ending from a deck member around the shoulder portion and down the side portion of the respective leg portions of each channel member and terminating in therespective leg portions at a point'below the upper end of the convex reinforcing ribs in the respective leg portions; the transversely-extending, longitudinally space d, convex reinforcing'ribs and the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcirig ribs being formedin different transverse planes; anda plurality of longitudinally spaced, transverse concave rein-forcing ribs in each deck member between pairs of channel -members; the last-named transverse concave reinforcing ribs extending across said each deck member and merging into the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs extending around the shoulder portion of the respective leg portions of the channel members connected to said each deck member.

IOQA pIatfOrin formed of a single piece of sheet metal material coinprisin g four coplanar, transversely spaced, elongated deck members and three depending elongated channel members each connected between adjacent deck members;each depending channel member including at each side a leg portion extending along a longitudinal edge portion of a respective one'of the deck members and including at its bottom a base portion connecting the leg portions; each of the leg portions including a shoulder portion "integral with thelongitudinal edge portion of the respective deck rnernber anda downwardly extending side portion integrally connected at its upper edge with the shoulder portion and integrally connected at its lower edge with the base portion; a pluralityof transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, convex reinforcing ribs formed in eachchannel member; each of the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, convex reinforcing ribs extendin g'around the base portion and up each side portionof respective channel members with the upper ends of the convex reinforcing ribs terminating in respective leg portions; a plurality of transversely extending, longitudinally lsp'aced, concave reinforcing ribs formed in the deck members and connected channel members; the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced concave .reinforcingirlibsextending from a deck member around the shoulder portion and down the side portion of the respectiveleg portions ofeach channel member and terminating the respective leg portions at a point below ,the upper end of the convex reinforcing ribs in the respective leg portions; the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, convexreinforcing ribs and the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs being-forrr ed indiiferent transverse planes; a plurality of longitndinally spaced, transverse concave reinforcing ribs I in each deckmember between pairs of channel members; the last-named transverse concave reinforcing ribs extending across saideachdeck member and merging into the transyersely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing r'ibsextending around the shoulder ,portionof respective leg portions of the channel members connected toisaid each deck member; and a plate extending parallel to ;the common plane er the deck members and connected to the base portions of at least two channel m m r l1. Aplatform formed of a single piece'ofsheet material comprising a plurality of coplanar, transversely spacied elongated dec k members and dependingelongated channel members connected between adjacent deckmemherspthedepending channel members including a first leg portion extendingalong a longitudinal edge portion of one deck member, a vsecond :leg portion extending along a longitudinal edge portion of an adjacent deck member andbase portion connecting the first and second ,leg portions; the leg portions including a shoulder portion integr al th the longitudinal edge portion of the respective deck memiieriand ,a downwardly extending ,side pori n integ a l assessed at its uppe e e wi h the v i 13 shoulder portion and integrally connected at its lower edge with the base portion; a plurality of transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, convex reinforcing ribs extending into the base portion and up the side portion of the first leg portion of the channel members, the upper ends of the convex reinforcing ribs terminating in the first leg portion of the channel members; a plurality of transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, convex'reinforcing ribs extending into the base portion and up the side portion of the second leg portion of the channel members, the upper ends of the convex reinforcing ribs terrninating in the second leg portion of the channel members; and a plurality of transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs formed in the deck members and connected channel members; each of the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs extending from a deck member around the shoulder portion and down the side portion of the respective leg portion of a connected channel member and terminating in the respective leg portion at a point below the upper end of a convex reinforcing rib in the respective leg portion; the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, convex reinforcing ribs and the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced concave reinforcing ribs being formed in different transverse planes.

12. A platform formed of a single piece of sheet metal material comprising a plurality of coplanar, transversely spaced, elongated deck members and depending elongated channel members connected between adjacent deck members; the depending channel members including a first leg portion extending along a longitudinal edge portion of one deck member, a second leg portion extending along a longitudinal edge portion of an adjacent deck member and a base portion connecting the first and second leg portions; the leg portions including a shoulder, portion integral with the longitudinal edge portion of the respective deck member and a downwardly extending side portion integrally connected at its upper edge with the shoulder portion and integrally connected at its lower edge withthe base portion; a plurality of transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, convex reinforcing ribs extending into thebase portion and up the side portionof the first leg portion of the channel members, the upperends of the convex reinforcing ribs terminating in the first leg portion of the channel members; a plurality of transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, convex reinforcingribs extending into the base portion and up the side portion of the second leg portion of the channel members, the upper ends of the convex reinforcing ribs terminating in the second leg portion of the channel members; and a plurality of transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs formed in the deck members and connected channel members; each of the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs extending from a deck member around the shoulder por-, tion and down the side portion of the respective leg portion of a connected channel member and terminating in the respective leg portion at a point below the upper end of a convex reinforcing rib in the respective leg portion; the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, convex reinforcing ribs and the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced concave reinforcing ribs being formed in different transverse planes. i

313. A platform formed of a single piece of sheet ma: terial comprising a plurality of coplanar, transversely spaced, elongated deck members and depending elongated channel members connected between adjacent deck members; the depending channel members including a first leg portion extending along a longitudinal edge portion of one deck member, a second leg portion extending,

along a longitudinal edge portion of an adjacent deck member and a base portion connecting the first and second leg portions; the leg portions including a shoulder portion integralwith the longitudinal edge portion of the respective deck member and a downwardlyextending asfrdost side portion integrally connected at its upper edge with the shoulder portion and integrally connected at its lower edge with the base portion; a plurality of transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, convex reinforcing ribs extending into the base portion and up the side portion of the first leg portion of the channel members, the upper ends of the convex reinforcing ribs terminating in the first leg portion of the channel members; a plurality of transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, convex res inforcing ribs extending into the base portion and up the side portion of the second leg portion of the chan nel members, the upper ends of the convex reinforcing ribs terminating in the second leg portion of the channel members; a plurality of transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs formed in the deck members and connected channel members; each of the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs extending from a deck member around the shoulder portion and down the side portion of the respective leg portion of a connected channel member and terminating in the respective leg portion at a point below the upper end of a convex reinforcing rib in the respective leg portion; the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced convex reinforcing ribs and the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced concave reinforcing ribs being formed in different transverse planes; and a plurality of transverse concave reinforcing ribs formed in the deck members.

14. A platform formed of a single piece of sheet rnaterial comprising a plurality of coplanar, transversely spaced, elongated deck members and a plurality of depending elongated channel mernbers each connected between adjacent deck members; the depending channel members including a first leg portion extending along a longitudinal edge portion of one deck member, a second leg portion extending along a longitudinal edge portion of an adjacent deck member and a base portion connecting the first and second leg portions; the leg portions including a shoulder portion integral with the longitudinal edge portion of the respective deckmember and a downwardly extending side portion integrally connected at its upper edge with the shoulder portion and integrally connected at its lower edge with the base portion; a plurality of transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, convex reinforcing ribs extending into the base portion and up the side portion of the first leg portion of the channel members, the upper ends of the convex reinforcing ribs terminating in the first leg portion of the channel members; a plurality of transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, convex reinforcing ribs extending into the base portion and up the side portion of the second leg portion of the channel members, the upper ends of the convex reinforcing ribs terminating in the second leg portion of the channel members; a plurality of transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs formed in the deck members and connected channel members; each of the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs extending from a deck member around the shoulder portion and down the side portion of the respective leg portion of a connected channel member and terminating in the respective leg portion at a point below the upper end of a convex reinforcing rib in the respective leg portion; the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, convex reinforcing ribs and the transversely extending, lon gitudinally spaced concave reinforcing ribs being formed in different transverse planes; and a plurality of transverse concave reinforcing ribs formed in each deck member connected between pairs of channel members; the lastnamed transverse concave reinforcing ribs extending across said each deck member and merging into the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs extending around the shoulder portion of respective leg portions of the channel members connected to said each deck member.

aamas I terial comprising a plurality of coplanar, transversely spaced, elongated deck-members a plurality of dependingelongated channel ,Inemberseach connected between adjacent deck members; the depending channel members including a first leg portion extending along a longitudinaledge portion of one deckrnembe r, a second leg portion extending along a longitudinal edge portion of an adjacent deck member and a base portion connecting the first and second leg portions; the leg Portions i cl in o l e Por io i te a i h ng d s d p i n o th esp ctiv dec b nd a d a d ext nd ng id n rtionint g ly o n c a t ppe .eds w h th sh u der portion nd nte a c nne ted .a it owe e i h h base po on; a plur i y o tran er ely exten i g, longi udinally spaced, convex reinfo cing ribs extending into the base portion and up the side portionsofthe first leg p ti n o h hanne membfirst up e en o th convex reinforcing ribs' terrninating in the first 16g Portion of the channel members; a plurality of transversely x n in lo ud na y sp ced ou ex r in o in ri xt d n o h bas po ion nd up th i e P r on f the s o l por io -o th c a ne m mbs s t upper ends of the convex reinforcing ribs terminating in the second leg portion of the channel members; plurality of transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs formed in the deckmembers and connected channel members; each of the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs extending from a deck member around the shoulder portion and down the side portion of the respective leg portion of a connected channel member and terminating in the respective leg portion at a point below the upper end of a convex reinforcing rib in the respective leg portion; the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, convex reinforcing ribs and the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs being formed in different transverse planes; and a plurality of transverse concave reinforcing ribs formed in the deck members; the last-named transverse concave reinforcing ribs extending across the deck members and merging into the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs extending around the shoulder portion of the respective leg portion of a connected channel member.

16. A platform formed of a single piece of sheet material comprising a plurality of coplanar, transversely spaced, elongated deck members and a plurality of depending elongatcd channel members each connected between adjacent deck members, the depending channel. members including a first leg portion extending along a longitudinal edge portion of one deck member, a second leg portion extending along a longitudinal edge portion of an adjacent deck member and a base portion connecting the first and second leg portions; the leg portions including a shoulder portion integral with the longitudinal edge portion of the respective deck member and a downwardly extending side portion integrally connected at its upper edge with the shoulder portion and integrally connected at its lower edge with the base portion; a plurality of transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, convex reinforcing ribs extending into the base portion and up the side portion of the first leg portion of the channel members, the upper ends of the convex reinforcing ribs terminating in the first leg portion of the channel members; a plurality of 'transverselyextending, longitudinally spaced, convex reinforcing ribs extending into. the base portion and up the side portion of the second leg portion of the channel members, the upper ends of the convex reinforcing ribs terminating in the second leg portion of the channel members; a plurality of transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs formed in the deck members and connected channel members; each of the transversely ex- 16 tending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcingribs extending from a deck member around the :shoulder portion and downlthe side portion of the respectiveleg portion of --a connected channel member and terminating,

in the respective'legportion at a point below the-upper end of, a convex reinforcing rib in the respective leg portion; the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, convex reinforcing ribs andnthe transversely extending,

longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs being formed in different transverse planes; and a plurality of transverse concave reinforcing ribs extending across each deck member between pairs of channel members; the last-named transverse concave reinforcing ribs ,and the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs being arranged in different transverse planes, and the said last-named concavereinforcing ribs extending toward the shoulder portion of respective leg portions of the channel members connected to said each deck member in overlapping relation with the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave rein forcing ribs in respective shoulder portions.

17 A platform formed ofia singlepieceof sheet rnaterial comprising a plurality of coplanar, transversely spaced, elongated deck members and a plurality of depending elongated channel members each connected between adjacent deck members; the depending channel reinforcing ribs extending into the base portion .and

the side portion of the first leg portion of the channel members, the upper ends of the convcX reinf cing fibfi terminating in the first leg portion of the channel members; a plurality of transversely extending, longitudinally spacedQconvex reinforcing ribs extending into the base portion and upt-he side portion of the second leg portion of the channel members, the upper ends of the convex reinforcing ribs terminating in the second leg portion of the channel members; a plurality of transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs formed in he e k members and connected channel memb each of the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs extending from a deck moms her around the shoulder portion and down the side portion of the respective leg portion of a connected channel member and terminating in the respective leg portion at a point below the upper end of a convex reinforcing rib in the respective leg portion; the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced convex reinforcing ribs and the,

transversely extending, longitudinally spaced concave reinforcing ribs being formed in different transverse planes; and a plate extending parallel to the common plane of the deck members and connected to the base portions of at least two channel members.

18. A platform formed of a single piece of sheet material comprising four coplanar, transversely spaced, elongated deck members and three depending elongated channel members each connected between adjacent deck members; the depending channel members including a first leg portion extending along a longitudinal edge portion of one deck member, a second leg portion extending along a longitudinal edge portion of an adjacent deck member and a base portion connecting the first and second leg portions; the leg portions including a shoulder portion integral with the longitudinal edge portion of the respective deck member and a downwardly extending side portion integrally connected at its upper edge with the 17 shoulder portion and integrally connected at its lower edge with the base portion; a plurality of transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, convex reinforcing ribs extending into the base portion and up the side portion of the first leg portion of the channel members, the upper ends of the convex reinforcing ribs terminating in the first leg portion of the channel members; a plurality of transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, convex reinforcing ribs extending into the base portion and up the side portion of the second leg portion of the channel members, the upper ends of the convex reinforcing ribs terminating in the second leg portion of the channel members; a plurality of transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs formed in the deck members and connected channelmembers; the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs extending from a deck member around the shoulder portion and down the side portion of the respective leg portions of each channel member and terminating in the respective leg portions at a point below the upper end of a convex reinforcing rib in the respective leg portions; the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, convex reinforcing ribs and the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs being formed in different transverse planes; and a plurality of longitudinally spaced, transverse concave reinforcing ribs in each deck member between pairs of channel members; the last-named transverse concave reinforcing ribs extending across said each deck member and merging into the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs extending around the shoulder portion of respective leg portions of the channel members connected to said each deck member.

19. A platform formed of a single piece of sheet metal material comprising four coplanar, transversely spaced elongated deck members and three depending elongated channel members each connected between adjacent deck members; the depending channel members including a first leg portion extending along a longitudinal edge portion of one deck member, a second leg portion extending along a longitudinal edge portion of an adjacent deck member and a base portion connecting the first and second leg portions; the leg portions including a shoulder portion integral with the longitudinal edge portion of the respective deck member and a downwardly extending side portion integrally connected at its upper edge with the shoulder portion and integrally connected at its lower edge with the base portion; a plurality of transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, convex reinforcing ribs extending into the base portion and up the side portion of the first leg portion of the channel members, the upper ends of the convex reinforcing ribs terminating in the first leg portion of the channel members; a plurality of transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, convex reinforcing ribs extending into the base portion and up the 4 spaced, convex reinforcing ribs and the transversely ex tending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs being formed in different transverse planes; and a plurality of longitudinally spaced, transverse concave reinforcing ribs in each deck member between pairs of channel members; the last-named transverse concave reinforcing ribs extending across said each deck member and merging into the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs extending around the shoulder por= tion of the respective leg porticns of the channel members connected to said each deck member.

20. A platform formed of a single piece of sheet metal material comprising four coplanar, transversely spaced, elongated deck members and three depending elongated channel members each connected between adjacent deck members; the depending channel members including a first leg portion extending along a longitudinal edge portion of one deck member, a second leg portion extending along a longitudinal edge portion of an adjacent deck member and a base portion connecting the first and second leg portions; the leg portions including a shoulder portion integral with the longitudinal edge portion of the respective deck member and a downwardly extending side portion integrally connected at its upper edge with the shoulder portion and integrally connected at its lower edge with the base portion; a piurality of transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, convex reinforcing ribs extending into the base portion and up the side portion of the first leg portion of the channel members, the upper ends of the convex reinforcing rib terminating in the first leg portion of the channel members; a plurality of transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, convex reinforcing ribs extending into the base portion and up the side portion of the second leg portion of the channel members, the upper ends of the convex reinforcing ribs terminating in the second leg portion of the channel members; a plurality of transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs formed in the deck members and connected channel members; the transversely exspective leg portions of each channel member and terminating in the respective leg portions at a point below the upper end of a convex reinforcing rib in the respective leg portions; the transversely extending, longitudinally tending, longitudinally spaced concave reinforcing ribs extending from a deck member around the shoulder portion and down the side portion of the respective leg portions of each channel member and terminating in the respective leg portions at a point below the upper end of a convex reinforcing rib in the respective leg portions; the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, convex reinforcing ribs and the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs being formed in different transverse planes; a plurality of longitudinally spaced, transverse concave reinforcing ribs in each deck member between pairs of channel members; the last-named transverse concave reinforcing ribs extending across said each deck member and merging into the transversely extending, longitudinally spaced, concave reinforcing ribs extending around the shoulder portion of respective leg portions of the channel members connected to said each deck member; and a plate extending parallel to the common plane of the deck members and connected to the base portions of at least two channel members.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,508,898 Smith Sept. 16, 1924 2,256,750 Riemenschneider Sept. 23, 1941 2,412,184 Ulinski Dec. 3, 1946 FOREIGN PATENTS 696,214 Great Britain Aug. 26, 1953